New to this lightweight camping thing need advice on shelter

I would suggest a 40 dollar Campmor 10x10 tarp and a USGI mosquito bar. It is my current go to set up and I am very happy with it. Chris
 
I meant to put that Wenzel StarLite Tent in there too. It was one of the first things I looked at earlier today.

I read some reviews on it and for the money it looks like it can't be beat, I figure if I ditch the poles and tie it between two trees it would be even more packable.

Can you give me more of a review on it?

I came to the conclusion I do need some sort of floor so I would consider the tarp mosquito net combo if I can find a net with floor, that me and the dog can fit in.
 
If lightweight is a higher priority, and you don't mind sewing, Ray Jardine's Tarp Tent is the lightest, most robust thing going that I know of. I'm getting one this year. It has an optional bug-mesh screen, which I also need, living in Massachusetts. There is a pic of the full setup at the bottom of this page:

http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Tarp-Kit/index.htm
 
akthor said:
I meant to put that Wenzel StarLite Tent in there too. It was one of the first things I looked at earlier today.

I read some reviews on it and for the money it looks like it can't be beat, I figure if I ditch the poles and tie it between two trees it would be even more packable.

Can you give me more of a review on it?

I came to the conclusion I do need some sort of floor so I would consider the tarp mosquito net combo if I can find a net with floor, that me and the dog can fit in.
Click to expand...


I've used it extensively. It is as low-tech as you can imagine, but put up with raging thunderstorms and held solid. Seams should be water-proofed, but I've done that with every tent I've had. Solid, reliable zippers, and room to move about...well, more than a bivy.

Only real problem I've had is the goofy dog trying to leave before I open the screen door. :)

Poles don't weigh much, and you don't have to go looking for supports.:thumbup:
 
I got a Camp Dome 2 tent from REI. Lightweight, bugproof, and reasonably priced at
~$100. Recommend a footprint or a tarp to pitch it on. If you're 6' tall or under and use a thin sleeping pad it should be just about perfect for you and your pup. I've also heard that Eureka makes some good reasonably priced stuff. Let us know what you settle on. -DT
 
As I recall, my older model Tarptent weighs 24 oz. with poles and about 20 oz. if you set with your trekking pole instead of the main pole. I really like saving 2-3 lbs over a regular tent. Mine has taken very high wind and even a modest amount of snow (4-6 in.). It has the sewn-in floor and bug netting.

DancesWithKnives
 
RobbW said:
If lightweight is a higher priority, and you don't mind sewing, Ray Jardine's Tarp Tent is the lightest, most robust thing going that I know of. I'm getting one this year. It has an optional bug-mesh screen, which I also need, living in Massachusetts. There is a pic of the full setup at the bottom of this page:

http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Tarp-Kit/index.htm
Click to expand...

I saw those but $100 for something I gotta sew myself seems a bit much.
 
Yeah I really like this tarptent http://www.tarptent.com/sublite.html it weighs a bit over 1lb at 18.5 ounces not digging the price.

The Wenger tho I love the price but but not digging the crawling in and out army style.

I have seen quite a few reasonable domes and I even have one but the are all 4 + lbs but more importantly pack like 18" or more long by 5 or 6" wide
 
Careful, it is starting to seem like you are looking for a fantasy. Cheap, bugproof, weatherproof, portable, roomy, lightweight......hate to say, from my experience compromises will have to be made somewhere. Chris
 
dttomcat said:
I got a Camp Dome 2 tent from REI. Lightweight, bugproof, and reasonably priced at
~$100. Recommend a footprint or a tarp to pitch it on. If you're 6' tall or under and use a thin sleeping pad it should be just about perfect for you and your pup. I've also heard that Eureka makes some good reasonably priced stuff. Let us know what you settle on. -DT
Click to expand...

another recommendation for the camp dome. however, i'm 6'2 and its a real tight squeeze.
 
Well, not to harp on the hammock thing, but you can definitely stomach sleep in a hammock - I've done it in my warbonnet and it was pretty comfortable. However, if you want to REALLY sleep flat, you can't beat the Jacks R Better Bear Mountain Bridge Hammock - it's pretty much the flattest laying hammock on the market, and awesome for stomach sleepers.

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/BMBH.htm



Or, if you just don't think the hammock thing will work for you, the REI Quarter Dome tents are AWESOME. The 3-man version is great for two people, lighter than many 2-man tents and with more room for gear. The 2-man is even lighter and would have room for you and your dog. On those rare occasions where I will be somewhere that hammocks won't work, I love my Quarter Dome T3.
 
Spent the day and all night looking at a lot of tents and a lot of info. I would love to get one of the Tarptents or a nice hammock or one of the many other options but I really can't justify the money, especially where I already have 7 other tents.

I think I am going to go with the Wenzel Lone Tree 2. It's big enough, has a side opening entrance, waterproof and bugproof. It goes for about $30. I figure I replace the stakes and ropes it comes with, seam seal it, spray it down with the waterproofing and it should work out fine for me.

Drawbacks (compromises ;) ) are that it weighs 5lbs and is 24" x 5" packed

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___38408#

Shouldn't be an issue too much since I won't be hiking a lot of miles right off. If I find I am really enjoying it and want to hike farther and take longer trips I may revisist the search for something lighter.

Thanks everyone for your help.
 
Under the circumstances, that sounds like a very acceptable compromise. I hope it facilitates getting out and having a lot of good times!

DancesWithKnives
 
I just want to go and enjoy camping without the work. Literally when we all go camping it takes me days to shop for food and then get all the gear together and packed and then it's the same in reverse when we get back. Then while at camp setting up tents and screen tent and gear and then all the food prep and the keeping ice in the coolers and yada yada. It is literally exhausting and stressfull, while I do have fun I dont have as much fun as others not having to do all that (kids and women)

I'm looking forward to just heading out with what I can carry on my back.
 
akthor, I am just the opposite of you on this. For years I did nothing but back pack camping. Most of that was ultra lite, taking just a bare minimum of gear, and staying out for long periods.
I have hiked most of the AT, most of the Florida Trail, and a good bit out west.

Those days are gone now. I camp in as much comfort as I can cram into my old Toyota 4Runner. Big tent, air mattress, coolers and chairs. :D
 
After a few trips be sure to come back and let us know how you like it. I am always on the look out for quality and economical gear. Chris
 
Mannlicher said:
akthor, I am just the opposite of you on this. For years I did nothing but back pack camping. Most of that was ultra lite, taking just a bare minimum of gear, and staying out for long periods.
I have hiked most of the AT, most of the Florida Trail, and a good bit out west.

Those days are gone now. I camp in as much comfort as I can cram into my old Toyota 4Runner. Big tent, air mattress, coolers and chairs. :D
Click to expand...

Oh I will still do the comfort camping, and even so i needed to puss out and have a tent with a floor unlike my original intention of the ultra mountain man tarp and bugnet concept ;)

I am sure I will be going on these "mountain man" trips only for a night or two at a time maybe three. I probably can only take so much roughing it :D
 
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